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And is it too early to beg for a DPBSD MP3 of the CFIIIS piano in there? Mainly to see if it is the same as the patch that goes by the same name in the CP1. I promise not to dump on it (unless it deserves it).

I got an email today that my CP5 shipped from Musicians Friend! It has been hard for me to wait - I'm not always very good at being patient. But this was the keyboard I've been wanting, so I'm glad I waited for it.

Of course, it's all sight unseen. There isn't a single music store in all of Southern California that I could find that had a CP5 or CP1 in stock to try. But from everything I've seen, and heard, and from reading the entire manual several times, it looks like the right keyboard for me.

I played a CP50 tonight at a Guitar Center. And now I've got me a problem.

I liked it fine, but I think I liked the CP5 more. It certainly looked nicer (retro look vs. slab). Sounds were very similar if not identical to my amateur ears. The graded hammer action on the CP50 was nice and felt like an acoustic Yamaha. But there was something very pleasing about the less clunky, less shiny keys on the CP5.

This might be a completely useless question to ask, but can anyone tell me what really makes the CP5 $1,000 more expensive? If my preferences are mostly about the feel of the keyboard/action, then it seems silly to spend all that extra change.

Also, please understand I bought a Korg M1 circa 1989 and have been playing it since. Mostly as a piano. Occasionally sequencing a bass line and drums to play along. Certainly not taking full advantage of what it could do.

So is there any good reason you can see to recommend the more expensive purchase? I'm curious what you think even if you haven't played these pianos. What should I know to make this decision?

So is there any good reason you can see to recommend the more expensive purchase? I'm curious what you think even if you haven't played these pianos. What should I know to make this decision?

If you've got another $1K or so at your disposal I urge you to test drive the Roland RD-700GXF. Technically the sound is head and shoulders above anything out there right now. I'd be interested in your reaction to the keys, sound, user interface, etc. as I'm currently living rather vicariously through other's experiences digital-piano-wise.

Is this the best DP in that price range? Anything other than the CP5 to compare it to?

Good question, I don't believe so but it would be interesting to hear others opinions on that. For hardware DPs Roland SN and Yamaha CP are at the top sound-wise.

If you only buy one DP every 20 years or so and you really like the sound and feel of the CP5 why not go for that? It has both pianos and all of the EPs found in the CP1, plus other voices it doesn't. The only thing it seems to lack is the real FM generator and the speaker simulator.

Hello, been reading your forums for awhile, not a big poster. I recently tried a CP50.I am currently using a 700GX. I felt the CP50 to be a pretty big disappointment. The action didnt floor me, was rather light. The sounds, especially the acc piano, sounded very similar to the SX series Yam WS's. Getting around on it, especially quickly, which I need in live situations, was cumbersome. After playing it for 30 minutes, I felt I wouldnt be laying out the cash for it anytime soon. Still trying to figure out why these CP series cost so much...I havent tried the 5 or the 1 yet.

Hello, been reading your forums for awhile, not a big poster. I recently tried a CP50.I am currently using a 700GX. I felt the CP50 to be a pretty big disappointment. The action didnt floor me, was rather light. The sounds, especially the acc piano, sounded very similar to the SX series Yam WS's. Getting around on it, especially quickly, which I need in live situations, was cumbersome. After playing it for 30 minutes, I felt I wouldnt be laying out the cash for it anytime soon. Still trying to figure out why these CP series cost so much...I havent tried the 5 or the 1 yet.

I agree with you on this. Just played one tonight at Guitar Center. Limited sounds, can't switch between them live without interruption, probably good for some limited uses. Not a bad keyboard, but only one acoustic piano and their P155 has two...

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RD-700GX + SN Piano ExpansionIf you're playing and you know it, wash your hands! If you're playing and you know it, no sanitizer!If you're playing and you know it, and don't want your keys to show it,If you're playing and you know it, clip your nails!

I really appreciate the CP50 reviews so far! I've been holding off on buying the Roland because I was waiting to compare the two -- and, so far, the Roland (with the SN kit) seems to be the favorite...

What ivory key wear issue? This was a problem, apparently, with very early production run models (maybe even pre RD-700GX) and has been long since resolved. Not an issue at all, unless you are buying used, in which case you would check to see if it was one of the early models.

As for the clicking issues. If you mean thumping, then yes, it is one of the loudest out there. For sure check to see if this would be an issue for you.

I really wanted the CP5 or cp50 to be decent! Since their announcement, I've been waiting for these and hoped that the CP50 would be sufficient but people here are sounding iffy about it. I've been buying/playing only Yamaha keys for a long time(1990) and sort've want to try something else now if CP's no good. Just sold my Motif ES and need to replace it with the most expressive piano sounds, the ES's weakness were pianos(IMO). I've tried the rd700 and felt 'eh' about it for its price, casio good price but blah sounds. I have Ivory and Pianotek (sound okay) but don't want to lug a computer around. Are there any good vibes about CP, if not, should I move on?

I think the past year with the RD700GX has shown that, although some folks have issues, not all do. Heck, the demo model of the RD700GX at Guitar Center looks pristine, and I know it's been there a while. As my piano teacher would say, WASH YOUR HANDS before you play, since I read somewhere that anything acidic on your hands can degrade the keys. Good advice. I'll probably buy an extended warranty if I can so if something goes wrong, I can always flip it after repair and consider any loss as rent.

I just want to reiterate that if I could tolerate the ungraded action, I would seriously still consider the CP5. Money no object, there'd be one in my living room right now. I'm sure it feels like a dream otherwise and the sounds of the EPs and APs are just crazy good. In fact, I think the CP50 is actually a good board for certain folks. Unless you're a serious classical player learning some Debussy, you probably won't miss the sostenuto. There would be some need for workarounds, but I would strongly encourage folks to go and play this before making your final decision. You just might like it.

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RD-700GX + SN Piano ExpansionIf you're playing and you know it, wash your hands! If you're playing and you know it, no sanitizer!If you're playing and you know it, and don't want your keys to show it,If you're playing and you know it, clip your nails!